A group of protesters arrested at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in the Ojota area of Lagos State has been released on bail, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed on Friday.
Their freedom came after the Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola directed the immediate bail of those arrested during the protest on October 2, which coincided with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day. This decision was made during a meeting with social activist Omoyele Sowore at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
In a statement, Hundeyin emphasized the police’s commitment to fostering a positive relationship with civil society organizations.
“In the spirit of camaraderie and bolstering trust between the police and civil society organisations, CP Ishola has directed that the persons arrested on Oct. 2 for causing a breach of public peace under the guise of protesting, be granted bail with immediate effect.
“The CP gave the directive today during the visit of Comrade Omoyele Sowore to his office at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.
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“The arrested persons have since been handed over to Comrade Sowore,” the police spokesperson said.
The individuals detained included Funmi Robert, Sunday Obasoro, Sikiru Adeagbo, Babatunde Oyeleye, Akin Okunowo, Dare Toyin, Adebayo Shobogun, Michael Adeleke, and Stanley Akonye. Hundeyin added that they were promptly handed over to Sowore after their release.
The protest, which aimed to mark the country’s independence, drew attention from various security agencies, including the police and members of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps. However, the police later stated that those arrested were not genuine protesters but individuals disguising themselves as such, intending to incite trouble.
Despite the police’s assertions, the incident has raised questions about the treatment of civil demonstrations in the state. The initial protest on October 1 saw minimal participation, with many citizens opting to refrain from taking part.
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